Self drive cars

Don’t try this at home! A suggestive photo published by Volvo to illustrate the advantages of semi self-driving cars. Experts think that even before 2020, the combination of adaptive cruise control and autonomous brake systems will allow drivers of cars in the premium segment to cruise along in convoy, without having to pay attention what is happening in front.

Part 1 of ADA revealed a long history of attempts to create a self-driving automobile, while Part 2 discussed the political, social and legal issues confronting such vehicles. In Part 3, Gijsbert-Paul Berk considers the needs and fears of the marketplace.

By Gijsbert-Paul Berk

Li Shufu (Li), Chairman of the Chinese Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely and Volvo), has confided in an interview with Chengdu Business Daily (CBD) in February, that his company has as goal to produce fully autonomous automobiles by 2020. This may be a reasonable goal if China does not have to deal with the complex politics and legal systems in place in Europe and the U.S.

Carlos Ghosn: The industry is ready, but are the legislators?

Back in Europe, Carlos Ghosn, head of the Renault-Nissan alliance, declared at a recent meeting at the French Automobile Club in Paris, “Cars that drive themselves can be on the roads four years from now, provided red tape does not get in the way. The problem isn’t technology, it’s legislation, and the question of liability that goes with these cars moving around … especially who is responsible once there is no longer anyone inside.” [Read more…]

The Rinspeed XchangE concept car offers passengers virtually any seating or resting position and the interior they want and provides the relaxing business-class comfort found with major airlines. The seats allow more than twenty possible seating arrangements with a host of adjustment, tilting and swiveling options.

By Gijsbert-Paul Berk

Aside from legal, political, and social issues, a growing market for ADAs also depends to a large extent on the price and consumer trust.

That there exists a market for such cars is beyond doubt. There are sufficient people who dislike driving in today’s dense traffic; some of the younger generation will certainly prefer sending SMS message with their smartphone or playing with their tablet over concentrating on the traffic around them. In Europe and the U.S. there are a great number of older drivers who are conscious that their reaction time is gradually slowing down or who have other minor handicaps. [Read more…] about ADA Part 3: Goodbye Nardi?